2008 (Senior)Linebacker Tyler Wortman worked his way into a leading role on the Nebraska defense in 2008. A walk-on performer, Wortman secured a starting role during spring football, then excelled late in the season after injuries took their toll on the Husker linebacking corps.

Wortman solidified the unit that helped the Nebraska defense rank second in the Big 12 in total defense, a year after finishing last in that category. Wortman was NU’s top BUCK linebacker throughout the year and played in all 13 games, with six starts. He finished the season with 36 tackles, including 29 stops in the final five games.

Wortman made two tackles each against Western Michigan, Virginia Tech and Iowa State, then had a strong game against Oklahoma. He was second on the team in tackles with a career-high 11, and added a career-high three tackles for loss. His six-tackle effort against Kansas included a key seven-yard tackle for loss on a reverse in the fourth quarter. He added five tackles, including a tackle for loss, against Kansas State. Wortman had a first-quarter interception on Senior Day against Colorado, returning the pick eight yards to set up a field goal. He capped his career with four tackles against Clemson in the Gator Bowl.

Wortman excelled in the classroom throughout his college career. He carried a 3.958 cumulative grade-point average in mechanical engineering, and he was named an ESPN the Magazine/CoSIDA Second-Team Academic All-Americans in 2008.

2007 (Junior)Wortman played in nine games, including each of the last eight contests. Wortman served as a backup behind senior Bo Ruud at the Sam linebacker spot, and saw his most extensive action when Ruud was sidelined for three games late in the year. Wortman finished the year with nine tackles, including three solo stops. He also had three tackles for loss.

Wortman made a pair of tackles against both Texas and Kansas. He had a three-yard tackle for loss at Texas, then had two tackles for loss (7 yards) against the Jayhawks. He capped the year with three tackles at Colorado.

2006 (Sophomore)Wortman did not see game action, but was a key scout team performer.

2005 (Redshirt Freshman)Wortman was a backup linebacker and scout team performer, but did not play in a game.

2004 (Redshirt)A walk-on athlete, Wortman redshirted in his first season in the program.

Before Nebraska (Grand Island Central Catholic HS)Wortman played both defensive end and tight end at Grand Island Central Catholic, while also excelling in wrestling and track. Wortman earned all-state, all-conference and all-district honors during his prep football career. He was also selected to the All-Heartland Area team. Wortman set school records for season and career sacks, while also establishing the school record in career tackles for loss.

On the wrestling mat, Wortman medaled twice at the state meet, and was a conference and district champion. He ended his high school career by winning a pair of gold medals at the state track meet. He was a member of GICC's gold medal 4x800 relay, helping his team capture the Class C team title. Wortman also earned a third-place medal in the 4x400 relay. Wortman ranked first in his class with a 4.0 grade-point average and earned academic all-state honors in all three sports.

PersonalThe son of David and Janet Wortman, Tyler was born on June 13, 1986. He is majoring in mechanical engineering and is an eight-time Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll pick. Wortman was named to the 2008 Brook Berringer Citizenship Team for his outreach work that includes Nebraska’s team hospital visits, as well as volunteering at Elliott Elementary School.